🌱 How to Start Designing Your Own Garden: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Designing your own garden can feel overwhelming — but it doesn't have to be. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can turn any outdoor space into a place that reflects your personality and brings you joy. Whether you're starting from scratch or refreshing what’s already there, this guide will walk you through the key steps to begin your garden design journey with confidence.
1. **Start with a Clear Purpose
What do you want from your garden?**
Think about how you want to use the space:
A peaceful retreat for relaxation?
A place to grow vegetables and herbs?
An outdoor dining or entertaining area?
A safe and fun place for children or pets?
Knowing your garden’s main purpose will guide every other decision you make, from layout to planting.
2. **Understand Your Site
Every garden is different – get to know yours.**
Take note of:
Sun and shade: Track where the sun falls throughout the day.
Soil type: Is it sandy, clay, or loamy? This affects which plants will thrive.
Drainage: Does water sit anywhere after rain?
Existing features: Trees, sheds, patios, fences — what stays, what goes?
A simple sketch of your space can help you see it more clearly and begin to visualise changes.
3. **Create a Wish List
Now comes the fun part.**
Write down everything you'd love in your dream garden, from practical needs to pure indulgences:
Flower beds bursting with colour
A wildlife pond or bird-friendly features
Raised beds for vegetables
A shady pergola or seating area
Low-maintenance planting schemes
You won’t use everything, but this list helps shape your vision.
4. **Work with Your Style
Match your garden to your home and personal taste.**
Do you prefer sleek and modern, or natural and cottagey? Clean lines and minimalism, or wild and romantic? The style you love should carry through in your materials, planting choices, and layout. You can even take cues from your interior style to create a cohesive indoor-outdoor flow.
5. **Plan the Layout
It’s all about structure before planting.**
Divide your garden into zones based on function: dining, growing, relaxing, etc. Think about:
Paths and how people will move through the space
Focal points (like a water feature, tree, or sculpture)
Screening for privacy or wind protection
Vertical elements like trellises or pergolas
Sketch out rough ideas, or use free online garden design tools to experiment.
6. **Choose the Right Plants
Pick plants that work for you and your garden.**
Base your plant choices on:
Your soil and light conditions
Your time: low or high maintenance?
Seasonal interest — aim for something in bloom year-round
Your colour palette and preferred shapes/textures
Group plants by similar needs, and mix heights and shapes for visual depth.
7. Start Small, Build Over Time
A great garden doesn’t need to be built in a weekend.
Tackle one area at a time, especially if you're new to gardening or on a budget. Even a single well-designed border can transform your space and build your confidence.
🌼 Need a Hand with Your Design?
At Dakic Garden Design, we specialise in helping homeowners across the South East bring their garden ideas to life. Whether you want a complete design package, planting plan, or just expert advice to get started — we’re here to help.
📧 Email: info@hortservices.co.uk
📞 Call: (+44) 77601 29222